Puzzle game board

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to a game board for playing a puzzle-type game. The game board comprises essentially a board, defining a pair of half sections, each being marked with similar complementary playing surfaces. Each section or surface is partitioned into a plurality of spaces, each being identified by suitable indicia means to distinguish one space from the others. A set of complementary playing tokens are randomly positioned on the spaces of the respective half sections, the number of tokens being equal to essentially one less than the number of spaces on the corresponding half sections. Each token of the set of tokens is also provided with an identifying means corresponding with the identifying indicia of each space of the complementary half section.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Americo J. Solimene 107-28 76th OzonePark, Queens, N.Y. 11417 [21] Appl. No. 72,584 [22] Filed Sept. 16, 1970[45] Patented Jan. 11, 1972 [54] PUZZLE GAME BOARD 17 Claims, 10 DrawingFigs.

52 US. Cl 273/132, 273/136 R, 273/136 D [51] Int. Cl A631 3/02, A63f3/00 [50] Field of Search 273/131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 153

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 552,721 H1 896 Schofield273/132 M7 WW LWMjT/ 0g 77l,5l4 lO/l904 Wehner 273/l32 1,617,250 2/l927Haughton 273/153SUX Primary Examiner-Delbert B. Lowe Attorney-Arthur T.Fattibene ABSTRACT: This disclosure is directed to a game board forplaying a puzzle-type game. The game board comprises essentially aboard, defining a pair of half sections, each being marked with similarcomplementary playing surfaces. Each section or surface is partitionedinto a plurality of spaces, each being identified by suitable indiciameans to distinguish one space from the others. A set of complementaryplaying tokens are randomly positioned on the spaces of the respectivehalf sections, the number of tokens being equal to essentially one lessthan the number of spaces on the corresponding half sections. Each tokenof the set of tokens is also provided with an identifying meanscorresponding with the identifying indicia of each space of thecomplementary halfsection.

8 SECTION PATENTEUJANI 1 m2 3533,9135

SHEET 1 or 2 IN VENT AMERlCO J. SOLI ME ATTORNEY PUZZLE GAME BOARD Inone embodiment, a wildtoken is provided, i.e., a token which can bemoved in a different manner during the play of the game, from that ofthe other tokens.

A means of chance is provided in another form of the invention foreffecting the play of the game by randomly determining the number ofmovesa particular player may have during play.

The object of the game is for one player to effect displacement of therespective set of tokens from its randomly placed position on the halfsection to an orderly placed position either on the same section, or onthe other halfsection.

. PROBLEM IN THE ART Efforts are constantly being made to conceive newgames for ones amusement. In the past, many varieties of games, moreparticularly board type games, have been conceived. Generally such gamesare such that they are directed to a particular class of person, e.g.,'preschoolers, young children, older children, adults, etc., dependingupon the particular objects and/or rules of the game. For these reasonsmost of the known board games held particular fascination to only aparticular age group for which the game was conceived. Often the knowngames of this type required specially constructed game boards and piecesand/or structure which renders the game difficult to manufacture and/orrenders the product readily expensive. Oftentimes solutions to puzzlegames of the type to which this invention relates are mathematicallyimpossible for certain arrangements.

OBJECTS An object of this invention is to provide a board-type gamewhich can be played either as a solitaire type of game or can be playedwith an'opponent.

Another object is to provide a board game which is amusing andfascinating to play and which will provide theplayer with challengedconcentration.

Another object is to provide a game which can be amusingly played bymore than one set of rules.

Another object is to provide a game board which is relatively simple inconstruction, positive in operation and relatively inexpensivetomanufacture.

Another object is to provide a puzzle-type game comprising a game-boardwith associated tokens arranged tobe manipulated' between a' randomlyplaced position and apredetermined orderly position on the game board ina manner in which a solution is rendered possible every time.

Another object is to provide a puzzle board game having a constructionin-which the applicable rules of play can be varied to'meet theabilities of various age groups.

. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a gamehaving a. game board divided into two half sections which may be eitherintegrally constructed or made of two hinged sections. In either eventeach divided section has a playing surface subdivided into a pluralityof squares or spaces, e.g., sixteen spaces. Each space, except one, isidentified by suitable indicia on each of the half sections.

The game also contemplates two sets of game pieces, each set being madeup of pieces equal to one less than the number of spaces on a given halfsection. The game pieces of the respective sets are likewise'marked withsuitable identifying indicia to correspondwith the identifying indiciaof the corresponding squares or spaces of the respective half sections.

In one form of the invention 'a special token designated as a wild tokenis provided to occupy one of the undesignated spaces. During the play ofthe game the wild token may be moved between any two unoccupied spaces.In this embodiment the pieces are moved at the willof the player. Playis continued until one player has advanced one of his. game pieces tothe corresponding space on his opponents half section. Then the nextplayer'advances his token to a corresponding position on his opponentshalf section. The player who advances all of his pieces to define theorderly array in the least number of moves is declared the winner.

In another embodiment a means of chance, as for example, a spinner, topor die is provided for indicating the number of moves a player is toreceive duringthe play of the game.

In the play of .the game, the respective players advance or move theirparticular set of game pieces, randomly arrayed on the squares of onehalf section, in sequence to form an orderly array on the opponent'shalf section of the board so that the indicia of the player's playingpieces correspond to the indicia of the spaces on the opponents halfsection of the board. This is attained by effecting displacements of therespective game pieces in accordance with the number of moves indicatedby the chance means.

FEATURES A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a gameboard divided into two half sections, each being subdivided into aplurality of spaces for use in combination with a plurality of gametokens wherein the number of game tokens equals at least one less thanthe number of spaces on a half section.

Another feature resides in the provision of a game board comprising apair of symmetrically formed half sections adapted to be folded betweenan expanded operative position and a folded stowed position.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a gameboard constructedso asto receive and store the game pieces in the stowedposition.

Another feature resides in the provision of a wild" token, that is atoken which is distinguishable from the others, which is free to bemoved at the will of theplayers from one unoccupied space to another.

Another feature resides in the provision wherein the wild" token enablesa solution to be attained in every random setup of the game pieces.

Other features and advantageswill become more readily apparent whenconsidered in view of the drawings and specifications in which:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an action board-type gamecontemplated by this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a modified game boardconstruction.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 4-4 on F IG. 2.

FIG. 5, in the solid line showing, is a sectional view taken along line5-5 on FIG..2, and in the dotted line showing thereof, a sectional viewof the board in the stowed inoperative position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a typical game piece.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an'identifying means for the respectivespacesof the game'board of FIG. 2.

FIG; 8-is a showing of a die chance means to be used in the playing ofthe game.

FIG. 9 illustrates a spinner which may be utilized as the chance meansduring the play of the game.

FIG. 10 illustrates another form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1, the game board 20of the game to beherein described. The game board'20 is formed of twoidentical or symmetrical half-sections or parts '21, 22- which may beintegrally connected, hingedfor folding or separately formed asindividual playing cards or sections. In the illustrated form of theinvention the two half-sections are shown as being integrally connectedby means of a suitable hinge construction so that the respectivehalf-sections'Zl, 22 may be folded into overlying relationship in thestowed position. of the game.

Each half-section 21, 22 is formed of a rigid backing material, 21C,22C, as for example, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic or the like, havingthe respective playing surface 21A, 22A partitioned into a plurality ofplaying or spaces 23. It will be understood that the lines partitioningthe playing surfaces 21A, 22A of the respective half-sections may beeither imprinted directly onto the backing member or the playing surfaceor they may be marked off on a layer of covering material, as forexample, paper or the like, which may be adhesively secured or otherwisebonded to the upper surface of the rigid backing members 21C, 22C.

In the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the partitioning orsectioning means comprises a series of perpendicularly intersectinglines 24 for dividing each of the respective half-sections 21, 22 into aseries of playing squares or spaces 23. Preferably each section 21, 22is provided with sixteen spaces or squares 23. Each of the respectivespaces 23 of each half section 21, 22 is provided with identifyingindicia. In the illustrated form of the invention the identifyingindicia means comprises the numerical numbers I to 15, each square 23being numbered consecutively. It will be noted that the respectivespaces on each half section are numbered 1-15 consecutively with thelast space being unnumbered.

A plurality of game tokens 26 are required for effecting the play of thegame. The game tokens 26 may comprise any suitable member which can bereadily moved over the playing surface of the respective half-sections.As seen in FIG. 6 the playing pieces or tokens 26 may comprise a set ofdiscs or round objects 26 sized so as to be accommodated within theboundaries of the respective squares, as indicated.

Two sets of game tokens or pieces 26 are required for effecting the playof the game when two players are opposing each other. Each set of tokensor game pieces 26 comprises elements. One surface or side of each token26 is provided with an identifying indicia as seen in FIG. 6.Accordingly, each piece 26 of each set is numbered, for example I to 15.To distinguish tokens of one set from tokens of the second set, therespective sets may be differently colored. For example, one set oftokens may be black and the tokens of the other set may be white or anyother suitable color.

During the play of the game, each player is provided a set of IS tokensof the same color, numbered l-l5 consecutively. Thus the tokens of oneparticular set will correspond to the numbered spaces formed on one ofthe half-sections 21, 22.

In the play of the game, the respective half-sections 21, 22 aredisposed in adjoining position or folded to open operative position asindicated in FIG. 1. Player A and player B are thus disposed oppositeone another as indicated.

To initiate the play of the game player A places his game tokens 26 onhalf-section 21 of the board so that the number designations of hisrespective tokens are faced downwardly; that is, not visible to theplayers.

Player B also places his game tokens 26 on section 22 of the game boardalso with the number designations of his set faced downwardly. The Aplayer thereafter at random shuffles down faced tokens of B in anymanner desired and places each of Bs tokens on one of the numberedsquares on B's section 22. Likewise B shuffles As face down tokens 26 onsection 21 of the game board so that each numbered square on section 21has one of As game tokens 26 thereon.

After the tokens of the respective players have been shuffled, eachplayer then turns up his respective set of tokens so that theidentifying indicia 26A thereon are rendered readily visible to theplayers.'At this point during the game, each player has a specific token26 bearing a definite designation located on each numbered square of hisrespective half-section 21, 22.

The object of the game now is for the respective players to advancetheir random arrays of tokens located on the numbered spaces of theirrespective sections to the corresponding numbered spaces on theopponent's half-section, so that at the games end the tokens of oneplayer are orderly arrayed on the opponents half-section so that thenumbers of the token designations correspond with the numbers oridentifying indicia of the respective spaces on the opponent'shalf-section.

To effect this displacement of tokens from one half-section to theopponent's half-section, respective game tokens 26 must be moved by therespective players in accordance with a predetermined order of movement,so that no more than one token will occupy any given space at any giventime. The number of moves a player may have is determined by a chancemeans.

In the illustrated form of the invention the chance means may compriseeither a spinner 28, as illustrated in FIG. 9, or a series of dice 29 asevidenced in FIG. 8. The recommended number of dice to effect the playof the game is five. Each die, of course, comprises a six-faced cube,with each face being provided with numbers or indicia l-6 respectively.Accordingly, if five dice are used as the chance means, the number ofmoves which a player may take is determined by the sum or total of therespective die designations.

If the spinner 28 is used as a chance means, the player spinning thespinner will receive the number of moves as indicated by the pointer 28Aof spinner 28. To effect the play of the game, the first player to moveeffects the throw of five dice or the operation of the spinner,depending on the specific chance means employed. Accordingly, the sum ofthe dice thrown, or the spinner pointer, will indicate the number ofmoves to be made by the first player.

Assuming that the sum or total designation of the five dice or thespinner is 20, made by player A, then player A is permitted to make 20moves of any of the tokens on the respective half-section. A movecomprises moving a token from an occupied space to a next adjacentunoccupied space, a token being permitted to be moved only one space, orjump as will be hereinafter described. Accordingly, two spaces of thegame board always remain unoccupied, and only a token next to anunoccupied space can be moved thereinto. Consequently A, assuming he hasrolled 20 with the dice or spinner on the start of the game will movehis first token into the vacant space on the opposing section 22. Now,it will be noted that all the spaces on Bs board 22 will be occupiedwith tokens. Consequently in order to make room for moving additional Atokens to Bs section 22, it will be necessary to effect the displacementof one of the tokens on Bs section 22 onto As section 21 to provideanother space on B's section 22. A will continue to effect thedisplacement of the tokens until he has utilized his predeterminednumber of moves which hereinbefore was indicated as 20. In effecting themoves the object is always to advance ones tokens onto his opponentssection so that the designation of ones token will correspond to thematching designation on the opponents section.

The rules of the game necessitate that the tokens can be moved only in avertical or horizontal direction and never in a diagonal direction.Also, a player is permitted to jump another token if the receiving spaceis unoccupied. However, in accordance with the rules of the game, thetoken which is permitted to jump another token must be the one that isdesignated to be the next in the order of sequence to be located on itscorresponding designated square on the opponents section. For example,if player A has his number I token positioned on the number 1 square ofBs section 22, and player A is moving his number 2 token toward thenumber 2 square on Bs section, then A is permitted to jump with hisnumber 2 token only if the receiving square is unoccupied. Consequentlyplayer A would not be able to jump with any other token. When player Ahas completed his number of moves, player B then is permitted to effecthis chance to determine the number of moves he may take. Accordingly, Bthen attempts to advance his array of tokens onto A's playing section 21in an effort to place Bs tokens on those squares corresponding indesignation thereto. The game continues back and forth until one playerhas been successful in positioning his complete set of 15 tokens in anorderly array so that the designations thereof correspond to thedesignations of the squares 23 on his opponents section.

The play of the game can be rendered more fascinating if particularrules are followed. For example, it may frequently occur that oneplayers section is completely occupied with tokens, so the otherhalf-section will have two empty spaces. In such situations the player,whose turn it is to advance his token toward the section having the twoempty spaces is required to first fill the unoccupied space which can beoccupied in the least number of moves. If the player does not firstoccupy the space which requires the least number of moves, and hisopponent observes the error, then the player making the error would bepenalized a predetermined number of moves. Consequently, by beingpenalized, the player will lose the predetermined number of moves and istherefore handicapped accordingly.

In the event the penalty moves exceed the number of moves which thepenalized player has remaining on his turn, then the difference betweenthe remaining moves and the total penalty would be deducted from thepenalized player's next roll of the dice or chance selection.

If the two empty spaces on a given section can be filled by the samenumber of moves, then the player may have the option to determine whichof the spaces he desires to first fill.

If the player, during his turn, moves any token which is not thedesignated or corresponding token to be next placed on the nextconsecutive corresponding square to be next filled, then such token maynot be permitted to jump over another token.

Also in the event that one player has finished a line, that is, whereinthe player has positioned his designated tokens on corresponding squaresdisposed in a line on his opponents section, as for example, if the linecontaining squares 1, 2, 3 and 4 has been completed, then the playerwill roll one less dice, when dice are used as the chance means. That ishe will roll four dice instead of five to determine his next number ofmoves. The other player who has not yet completed any lines will stillbe permitted to roll five dice.

When a player has completed two lines in an orderly array, as forexample, when lines containing squares 1, 2, 3, 4 and squares 5, 6, 7,8, have been matched with corresponding designated tokens, then thisplayer will be permitted to roll only three dice. However in the eventthat a completed line is broken up, then the player who had completedthe line will be permitted to roll the additional die for each line sobroken on his next roll. If the opponent breaks up one of these madelines by moving one of the tokens, then that player will be penalized apredetermined number of moves. Accordingly, the object of the game isfor one player to place all of his respective tokens on his opponentssquares so that the designations thereof correspond with thedesignations of his opponents squares 23. Experience has shown that theplay of the game offers considerable amusement and entertainment for therespective players in which both elements ofskill and chance areevident.

If desired, the game may be played as a solitaire. That is, the game maybe played by one player in the manner hereinabove described. Thus thesolitaire player attempts to move one set of tokens from onehalf-section of the board to the other halfsection in a manner describedand in a predetermined number of moves.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrates a modified board construction 30. In this form ofthe invention the board 30 is specifically constructed so that it may befolded between an operative playing position and a stowed inoperativeposition wherein the board 30 functions as a container or case forcontaining the other pieces of the game apparatus. Also in thisembodiment a means is provided whereby the designations of therespective squares 31 of each half-section 32, 33 may be varied asdesired.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the game board 30 comprisestwo half-sections 32, 33 which are hingedly connected by a suitablehinge means 34, as for example, a piano hinge. Thus the respectivehalf-sections 32, 33 may be folded between an operative and aninoperative position as illustrated.

in FIG. 5.

The respective half sections 32, 33 are formed so that a circumscribingridge 32A, 33A extends about three sides to define a recessed playingsurface 35. The adjacent edge portions of the respective playingsections 32, 33 are devoid of the ridge, so that an unobstructed playingsurface is provided between adjacent sections 32, 33. Each of therespective half surfaces is partitioned or marked off to define aplurality of squares 31. In the illustrated form of the invention, themeans defining the squares 31 may be shallow perpendicularly disposedgrooves 36 formed on the playing surface 35. Particular reference ismade to FIG. 4.

Fifteen of the respective 16 squares 31 on each of the playing surfacesof each section 32, 33 are provided with a small hole 37 adapted toreceive an identifying peg 38. As seen in FIG. 7, the peg may comprise adowel which has a number designation 39 thereon, each peg beingdifferently designated, e.g., l to l5. Accordingly, the arrangement issuch that the identifying peg 38 may be inserted into any hole 37 of therespective squares so that each square is identified by a designation ofthe peg inserted thereat. It will be understood that the pegs 38 may berandomly placed in the holes 37 of the respective half sections or theymay be disposed in an orderly array similar to the square designationsas illustrated in FIG. 1.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the under surface of each half-section 32, 33 isalso recessed so that the circumscribing ridge 32A, 33A surrounds theunder surface of the respective halfsections on each side thereof.Accordingly, in the folded position of the game board, as indicated inFIG. 5, a chamber or compartment 40 is defined wherein the game tokens41 and/or pegs 38 may be stored during the stowed position of the game.

A suitable latch or catch 43 may be provided for maintaining therespective half-sections 32, 33 in their folded position.

The play of the game with the modified board construction is similar tothat hereinabove described. However, in this form of the invention theplay of the game is rendered more versatile in that the opponentssquares31 may be randomly designated by shuffling the pegs 38 so that thesquares 31'on a player's half-section need not necessarily be'numberedconsecutively. Accordingly, during the play of the game, in the eventthe opponent's squares 31'are not designated consecutively, then theopposing player must advance his tokens 41 so that at the end of thegame his designated tokens correspond to the designated numbers of thepegs of the opponents particular squares. For example, by randomlypositioning the identifying pegs 38 on the respective half-sections 32,33, it may be that the upper row as viewed in FIG. 5, may be numbered12, I, I3, 2. The other spaces of the half-section would be similarlyrandomly numbered by the remainder of the designated pegs. In suchevent, player A will then have to advance his tokens so that his numbertoken will finally end up on the opponents square correspondinglymarked. It is submitted that this random numbering of the squares willfurther enhance the play value of the described game to further add tothe fascination and amusement of the game.

In all other respects the play of the game is similar to thathereinbefore described.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this form ofthe invention the game board'50 may be constructed similarly to thathereinbefore'described, or it may comprise simply a rigid backing member51 to which there is secured or laminated a top layer or laminate 52 todefine a playing surface. As illustrated, the playing surface orlaminate 52 is partitioned into two half-sections 52A and 52B. Eachhalf-section, 52A and 52B, is further subdivided into a plurality ofspaces 53 and 54, respectively. In this embodiment each half-section 52Aand 52B is subdivided into 16 spaces, 53, 54, respectively.

Spaces 53 and 54 of the respective half-sections 52A and 52B areidentified by suitable indicia, as for example, by numbers 1-15respectively. Thus, each half-section is provide d with an unnumberedspace 55 and 56 respectively.

As hereinbefore described, two sets of game tokens are provided. Eachset comprises 15 tokens, each of which is provided with an identifyingindicia to correspond with the identifying indicia of the spaces 53, 54of respective half-sections 52A and 52B ofthe playing board 50.

This form of the invention also contemplates the use of a speciallydesignated token 57 formed so as to be readily distinguished from eachof the tokens of the respective two sets of tokens. For example, thespecially designated token 57 may be differently shaped and/or colored.As illustrated token 57 is rectangularly shaped and marked with a W todesignate it. As will be hereinafter described, token 57 will bereferred to as the wild" token. Thus, as seen in FIG. 10, each oftherespective spaces 53 and 54 of each half-section 52A and 52B, during theplay of the game, with the exception of two, is always occupied by oneof the game pieces or tokens. Depending upon the rules of play to befollowed, the wild" token 57 will occupy one of the remaining twospaces.

As hereinbefore described the play of the game is started by having eachof the respective players position his respective set of tokens, facedown, i.e., with its identifying indicia face down, on the spaces of thehalf-section 52A and 528. In order to distinguish the tokens of oneplayer from those of his opponent, it will be understood that therespective sets of game pieces may be colored differently, as forexample red and black. Also, the means designating the spaces 53, 54 oneach of the respective half-sections may be color coded correspondinglyto the respective set of tokens. For example, the spaces 53 in section52A may be designated as black spaces and the spaces 54 on section 528may be designated as red spaces. To start the play of the game, theblack tokens are randomly positioned face down on the black spaces andthe red tokens placed face down on the red spaces of half-section 52B.While the colors black and red have been specified, it will be readilyunderstood and appreciated that any contrasting colors may be utilizedto distinguish the playing field and/or tokens of one player from thatof another.

After each of the players has positioned his respective set of tokensface down on his particular section of the board, the respective tokensare shuffled at random as hereinbefore described. After shuffiing of therespective sets of tokens, the tokens of each player are then turnedface up so that the indicia thereon is rendered readily visible to theplayers. Accordingly all the spaces but spaces 55 and 56 are occupied bya game token.

The object of the game is for each player in turn to advance his set oftokens, one at a time, from the random array located on one half-sectionto an orderly array, i.e., to move the token to a space on the otherhalf-section having the same identifying indicia as the correspondingtoken in a minimum number of moves.

Preferable the play of the game is started by the player who has thehighest numbered token located in the number one space position on hisrespective half section 53, 54. In the event that each player comes upwith the same numbered token in his respective number one spaceposition, then the start of the game is commenced by the player who hasthe highest numbered token in the number two space of his respectivehalf-section. In the illustrated form of the embodiment it will be notedthat player A will move first since he has the highest numbered token inthe number two space position, and each player has the same numberedtoken in the first space position.

If the wild token 57 is to be used, the player first to move then placesthe wild or unnumbered token 57 in one of the vacant spaces on theboard, e.g., space 55. The object of the game is for one player to movehis tokens in sequential order from the position the respective tokensrandomly occupy at the start of the game on one section of the board toan orderly array on the other section of the board, wherein the numberedtokens are successively moved to the space on the other halfsection ofthe board having the identifying indicia corresponding to that of thetoken. Accordingly, at the start of the game player A will effect themovement of the token designated as token l to the space designatednumber 1 on the opposite section in a minimum number of moves. The tokenbeing moved is thus designated the King token, and the space to which itis intended to be moved is termed the home base station. To effect themovement of the token from its randomly disposed position at the startof the game to its orderly arrayed position on the other half-section, aplayer must effect displacement of the necessary tokens from space tospace to provide a path of movement for the king token from its initialposition on one section to its designated home base position, on theother section. In doing so the player will keep a record ofthe number oftokens moved to effect advancement of each king token from its initialposition of play to its home base station. The rules of the game providethat the tokens may be moved only forward or backwards and left orright. The tokens may not be moved diagonally from one square toanother. Also the rules of the game permit the wild designated token 57to be moved to any vacant space no matter where the vacant space may befound. The rules of the game also provide that during the advancement,only the token designated as the king token is permitted to jump anothertoken. it has been discovered that by utilizing a token designated as awild token 57, that can jump between the unoccupied spaces, it ispossible to always advance the tokens of the respective tokens sets toachieve an orderly array on their respective half-sections for anyrandom setup of the game pieces.

In the absence of a wild designated token 57, it will be understood,that upon certain random setups of the tokens, a game could not alwaysbe completed as there would result impossible game situations. When aplayer has successfully advanced his so called king token, i.e., thetoken next in the order to be moved, to the corresponding home basespace, the player ends his play and the next player commences to advancehis next designated king token to its corresponding home base. Duringthe play of the game each player keeps track of the number of movesnecessitated to effect the transfer of the king token from its initialposition of play to its respective home base. The play of the game isalternately continued between players in this manner until each playerhas moved each of his set of tokens to their correspondingly designatedspaces on his opponents half-section. The player who does complete hisorderly array in the minimum number of moves is declared the winner.

During the play of the game it is preferred that a given player maynever have more than two of his tokens, excluding king tokens, on theopponents half-section at any given time during his play. For example,the black player may have not more than two of his black tokens in thered area of the board at any given time, excluding, of course, the kingtokens. Conversely the red player may not have more than two of his redtokens located in the black field of play, excluding the king tokens.Thus it is imperative during the play of the game that a player move anytokens in excess of two, that have not been kinged, out of the playingarea or be penalized therefor. A sample type of penalty is that a playermay be penalized a given number of moves, as for example, 15 for eachtoken he may have in the opposing player's section in excess of two.

In the event one of the players during the play of the game is requiredto move his own kinged tokens out of their home base, then it isimperative that the player return the king tokens to their respectivehome bases before his play is terminated. The rules of the game providethat an opponent cannot move his opponents king men out of theirrespective home base. In other words a player can only move his king menand not those of his opponent, if necessary to complete the move of agame piece to its orderly array.

For young players, e.g., in the age groups 9-12, it is preferred thatthe rules of the game provide that when the players have completed orkinged the first three rows of home bases, that is, when spaces [-12have been occupied by correspondingly identified tokens, no furtherjumping be allowed. Also the rule limiting two tokens to the opponentsside of the board may be disregarded. Also the wild designated token 57may be taken off the board so that the players may then be provided withtow vacant spaces. The rules further provide for each player to completethe last row, namely, spaces l3, l4 and 15, before giving up the play.Then the next player will rearrange his last three tokens so that theywill correspond with the home base l3, l4 and 15. The opponents lastthree kinged tokens, viz, l3, l4 and l5, need not be in their home base.The player with the least number of moves is determined the winner.

To render the game more difficult in completing the last row of homebases, that is, the row containing spaces l3, l4 and i5, the rule ofjumping is eliminated as hereinbefore described, but the wild token 57is retained on the board for movement, if desired, between vacant orunoccupied spaces. Also the rule of extra tokens in opponents playingarea likewise may be disregarded. In finishing the game in accordancewith this set of rules, the respective players effect the completion oftheir last three positions, i.e., spaces [3, l4 and l5, as hereinbeforedescribed. This modified rule for completing the last three spaces isapplicable for players in a higher age group, e.g., the teens.

A still more difficult way of effecting the ending of the game after thefirst three rows have been completed as described is to include thefurther rule that tokens can no longer jump at this state and that thewild designated token 57 cannot jump. However, the rule of excess tokensin the opponents area may be disregarded. In ending the game inaccordance with these rules, it is necessary for one player to writedown or record exactly the position of each token including the positionof the wild token S7. The first player then completes the game byadvancing the remaining tokens to occupy spaces 13, 14 and 15 of boththe red and black areas. When a player has completed these two rows, heends his play. The number of moves necessitated to complete the moves isrecorded. Then the next player resets the tokens to their originalplaces as recorded before the other player completed his play, and thesecond player proceeds to complete his play in the same manner. Thetotal number of moves required by each player throughout the game arethen added, and the player with the lowest number of moves is consideredthe winner. It will be understood that the games illustrated in FIG. 10may also be played as solitaire where the player seeks to establish theorderly array with the least number of moves.

ln this embodiment the arrangement is such that the play of the game maybe attained without a means of chance to determine a player's number ofmoves. During the play, each player upon commencing his moves, continuesto move until he has advanced a particular designated token from itsinitial position to its corresponding base or home position. The numberof moves required in each turn is thus recorded, and the player with thelowest total is deemed the winner of the particular game.

As described the rules may be modified to vary the degree of difficultyone may encounter to effect the finish of the game. In this way thestructure defined can be adapted to the interest and amusement ofplayers of different capabilities. As between players of differentcapabilities, the play may be equalized by having the respective playersterminate the game by following those rules compatible with theparticular players capability. In this manner players of unequal abilitymay be more evenly matched, e.g., between a parent and child. In suchevent the older player may be required to complete his play by followingthe more difficult rules in ending the game while the younger playerwould be permitted to follow the more lenient manner in finishing theplay of the game as herein described.

While the game has been described with respect to play according toparticular sets of rules, it will be understood that the rules of thegame may be varied as desired. However, the structure of the game issuch that the rules can be readily changed without adversely affectingthe interest, fascination and/or play value of the game. Also whennumbers have been used to designate the tokens and squares, it will beunderstood that any symbol or letter may be used instead.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to aparticular embodiment thereof, variations and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the rules.

What is claimed is:

l. A game comprising a playing board,

means dividing said playing board into two half-sections,

means partitioning each said half-section into a plurality of spaces,whereby each half-section has an equal number of spaces,

indicia means for identifying all but one of the respective spaces oneach said half-section,

two sets of playing pieces,

each set of playing pieces including a plurality of game tokens adaptedto be received in the spaces of the respective half-sections, the numberof tokens in each set of playing pieces being equal to at least one lessthan the number of spaces formed on each half-section, and

token indicia means for identifying each token of the respective sets ofplaying pieces, whereby the identifying indicia of the respective set oftokens correspond to the identifying indicia of the spaces formed on acorrespond ing half-section.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said spaces are disposedin columns and rows on each half-section.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said partitioning meansinclude intersecting lines imprinted on said board to define rectangularspaces.

4. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said partitioning meansinclude a plurality of spaced intersecting grooves formed in said boardto define rectangular spaces.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including means for hingedlyconnecting the respective half-sections whereby said half-sections arerendered readily foldable between an expanded operative playing board,and a folded stowable board.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein the respectivehalf-sections include a recessed playing surface circumscribed on threesides by a raised circumscribing wall and a recessed under surface todefine in the folded position a closed pocket adapted for containingsaid game pieces in the stowable position of said board.

7. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein all but one space in eachhalf-section have a hole formed therein,

and said indicia means for identifying spaces include a peg adapted tobe fitted in said hole,

and said peg having an identifying symbol for identifying thecorresponding space.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means of chanceadapted to be operated by a player to determine the number of moves ofsaid player.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein said chance meansincludes a plurality of dice.

10. A game board comprising a pair of half-sections, said half-sectionsbeing substantially identical,

means for hingedly connecting the respective half-sections along theiradjacent edge portions whereby said half-sections may be folded betweenan extended operative position and a folded stowable position,

said half-sections each having a recessed playing surface to define acircumscribing ridge about the remaining edge portions thereof,

at least one of said half-sections having a recessed bottom portiondefined by a circumscribing ridge about the entire periphery thereof,

said recessed bottom portion defining a chamber in the folded positionof said game board,

means for partitioning the respective playing surfaces of saidhalf-sections into a plurality of spaces, the number of spaces on eachhalf-section being equal,

indicia means for identifying all but one of said spaces on eachhalf-section,

two sets of playing pieces, means for securing said half-sections in thestowable position each set including a plurality of tokens adapted to bewhereby said game tokens may be housed within the chamber received andmoved about the spaces on said playing surdefined between the stowablehalf-sections. face. 13. The invention as defined in claim 12 whereinsaid partithe number of tokens in each set being equal to at least onetioning means include a plurality of spaced intersecting less than thenumber of spaces on id half-se tion grooves formed on said playingsurface to define said spaces. identifi ation mea s for di ti gui hi onegame token f 14. The invention as defined in claim where each sectionanoth r wher by th id tif i i di i f h game is partitioned into l6squares, and each set of tokens consists token corresponds with theindicia means of a cor- 0f di space. l0 15. The invention as defined inclaim 8 wherein said chance and a means of chance adapted to be operatedby a player means Includes p to determine the play f the game 16. Theinvention as defined in claim 1 and including a spell. The invention asdefined in claim 10 wherein said in- I dicia means f said Spacescomprises 17. The invention as defined in claim I and including means ahole formed within each of said spaces, l5 whereby said indicia meansfor identifying said spaces are and a peg means adapted to be insertedin said hole, rendered readily detachable from said board so that theymay Said peg having id tif i means for distinguishing one be randomlyplaced on said spaces so as to vary the identifica- Space from anothertion of said spaces. 12. The invention as defined in claim ll andincluding 2

1. A game comprising a playing board, means dividing said playing boardinto two half-sections, means partitioning each said half-section into aplurality of spaces, whereby each half-section has an equal number ofspaces, indicia means for identifying all but one of the respectivespaces on each said half-section, two sets of playing pieces, each setof playing pieces including a plurality of game tokens adapted to bereceived in the spaces of the respective halfsections, the number oftokens in each set of playing pieces being equal to at least one lessthan the number of spaces formed on each half-section, and token indiciameans for identifying each token of the respective sets of playingpieces, whereby the identifying indicia of the reSpective set of tokenscorrespond to the identifying indicia of the spaces formed on acorresponding half-section.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1wherein said spaces are disposed in columns and rows on eachhalf-section.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein saidpartitioning means include intersecting lines imprinted on said board todefine rectangular spaces.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 2wherein said partitioning means include a plurality of spacedintersecting grooves formed in said board to define rectangular spaces.5. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including means for hingedlyconnecting the respective half-sections whereby said half-sections arerendered readily foldable between an expanded operative playing board,and a folded stowable board.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5wherein the respective half-sections include a recessed playing surfacecircumscribed on three sides by a raised circumscribing wall and arecessed under surface to define in the folded position a closed pocketadapted for containing said game pieces in the stowable position of saidboard.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein all but one spacein each half-section have a hole formed therein, and said indicia meansfor identifying spaces include a peg adapted to be fitted in said hole,and said peg having an identifying symbol for identifying thecorresponding space.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 1 andincluding means of chance adapted to be operated by a player todetermine the number of moves of said player.
 9. The invention asdefined in claim 8 wherein said chance means includes a plurality ofdice.
 10. A game board comprising a pair of half-sections, saidhalf-sections being substantially identical, means for hingedlyconnecting the respective half-sections along their adjacent edgeportions whereby said half-sections may be folded between an extendedoperative position and a folded stowable position, said half-sectionseach having a recessed playing surface to define a circumscribing ridgeabout the remaining edge portions thereof, at least one of saidhalf-sections having a recessed bottom portion defined by acircumscribing ridge about the entire periphery thereof, said recessedbottom portion defining a chamber in the folded position of said gameboard, means for partitioning the respective playing surfaces of saidhalf-sections into a plurality of spaces, the number of spaces on eachhalf-section being equal, indicia means for identifying all but one ofsaid spaces on each half-section, two sets of playing pieces, each setincluding a plurality of tokens adapted to be received and moved aboutthe spaces on said playing surface, the number of tokens in each setbeing equal to at least one less than the number of spaces on saidhalf-sections, identification means for distinguishing one game tokenfrom another whereby the identifying indicia of each game tokencorresponds with the indicia means of a corresponding space, and a meansof chance adapted to be operated by a player to determine the play ofthe game.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 10 wherein said indiciameans for said spaces comprises a hole formed within each of saidspaces, and a peg means adapted to be inserted in said hole, said peghaving identifying means for distinguishing one space from another. 12.The invention as defined in claim 11 and including means for securingsaid half-sections in the stowable position whereby said game tokens maybe housed within the chamber defined between the stowable half-sections.13. The invention as defined in claim 12 wherein said partitioning meansinclude a plurality of spaced intersecting grooves formed on saidplaying surface to define said spaces.
 14. The invention as defined inclaim 10 where each section is partitioned into 16 squares, and each setof tokens consists of
 15. 15. The Invention as defined in claim 8wherein said chance means includes a spinner.
 16. The invention asdefined in claim 1 and including a specially designated token.
 17. Theinvention as defined in claim 1 and including means whereby said indiciameans for identifying said spaces are rendered readily detachable fromsaid board so that they may be randomly placed on said spaces so as tovary the identification of said spaces.